poodlefan Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 wouldnt consider an amstaff a beginners breed either. x 2 They are a lot of dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsrawesome Posted January 24, 2011 Author Share Posted January 24, 2011 nothing at all against american staffods i think they are great dogs but yeah i dont think i would be able to handle one. Id like to say thanks for everyones opinions Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 But if you are taking it to puppy pre school you should be ok. can I just make one thing abundantly clear. Puppy preschool is nowhere near the be all and end all of dog training. Most of them are run by dog loving numpties ... heart in the right place but otherwise not worth the petrol to drive you there. Saying that even if you find an awesome one it is a whole, what, 5 hours out of your and your dogs life. Nowhere NEAR enough to justify an unexperienced owner investing in a powerful breed outside their skill level. Thats why I suggested a good border or aussie shep, even a kelpie or a lab. You can do obedience/agility, they're fairly level headed and friendly when you purchase from the right breeder and you can tell their drives well from a pup. They're really owner orientated too and you can make a few mistakes here and there without ending up in the total poops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue.amstaff Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 (edited) wouldnt consider an amstaff a beginners breed either. No that's definitely a fair call. The 3 year old amstaff I have owned under a week definitely did what I would call protect me the other night. I was taking her for a walk which I normally don't do without the boyfriend but anyway there was a group of 3 blokes who came up next to us and started being d!cks, asking what someone like me was doing out so late etc and started getting up in my face and one guy put his arm around me. My dog growled at them and they backed off..To me that's protective but I sure as hell wouldn't call it aggressive? Can't spell sorry! Edited January 24, 2011 by blue.amstaff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 you dont know if the dog is actively protecting you or simply being defensive for itself. They are not meant to be a guarding breed ... I have seen people try and it just ruins the dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 could be protective, could be inappropriate reaction due to lack of socialisation, many dogs growl out of fear and owners mistake that for protection... Regards to the whole socialisation of dominant breeds, it isn't just training that you need to put into it, you need to have a serious think about whether you have the nerves to deal with one. Puppies go through periods of finding boundaries. This can include growling at you (or your family) and even nipping. If you have a large, powerful breed this can be very unnerving. You need to think about whether you are prepared to enforce every single rule, every single minute of every single day. Personally, I'd drop the idea of the whole "dog to protect me" thing. Most dogs won't go in to bat for their owner if there is real trouble - don't confuse their barking with protecting you! The best guard dog that I have ever met is my mini schnauzer - and she is under 10kg. She can put on such a show that delivery men have run down my driveway in fear (and she is secure behind two gates). Go for a dog that you like living with, because you're going to have it for the next 10 - 15 years anyway. In practical terms, given your age, it would be a lot easier for you to find rentals etc in the future if you have a small-medium dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
all creatures Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 (edited) Interesting thread! We have had all sorts of pedigree dogs throughout my lifetime and associated with plenty of other types too. Be careful with large dominant dogs like Rotties and Dobermans - I once road tested a homeless male Akita and it was a real eye opener to feel his strength. There would be no way I could hold an animal back like that, if he decided to go for it (and I am a fairly strong, tall female). And it only takes one slip-up to see your dog end up possibly destroyed. It could just kill someone's cat...that's all it takes. The other thing I thought of, with the Akita, was that I would never be able to lift him into the car, on my own, in a medical emergency....a small thing - but when your dog can't jump into the back of your car for a ride (old age, arthritis etc) - will you be able to lift it in? Do you want an "interactive" breed? For me, for example, I love and enjoy dogs that are a pleasure to train (intelligent), can retrieve balls n frisbees, are confident but not aggressive, form strong bonds within our family (loyal) and can be trusted almost all of the time... We have a Staffy (STB) and she is real sooky - neither watch nor guard dog! She is a killer of small creatures though - chooks, rabbits etc - so she cannot be trusted in that respect. We now have a Schipperke pup - and she is an excellent watch-dog already. Guard dogs are quite different - they need to be trained to be a "protector" - much like the police train their dogs. They are, in effect, a dangerous weapon. Dogperson - if you don't think you can handle an Amstaff - then maybe a rotty, doberman and G.shep may be a problem too? Edited January 25, 2011 by all creatures Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsrawesome Posted January 25, 2011 Author Share Posted January 25, 2011 Schipperke pup - and she is an excellent watch-dog already. They are awesome little dogs I know for a fact i wouldnt be able to handle a rotti, dob or akita i know they are a very strong breed and thanks for your advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
all creatures Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Schipperke pup - and she is an excellent watch-dog already. They are awesome little dogs I know for a fact i wouldnt be able to handle a rotti, dob or akita i know they are a very strong breed and thanks for your advice. He he - yea - she is a pretty special little pup - super smart and very plucky! (but won't grow big) My dog-of-my-life was my Border Collie, that we lost recently. I can agree with Nekhbet - they are a fantastic first dog (at your age now) and great for a young person with lots of energy. They are such a rewarding dog to do extensive training with also (And they do need to be trained well - lest you end up with a car chaser...) I also had little problems renting, with him - a well accepted breed on that score. He wasn't very tough looking though ('beautiful' more like it..) Keep doing your homework (and it's a great thing that you are) - you will find the right breed for you and have a good mate for years. You can always learn marshall arts to protect yourself hey??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corvus Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 I have to admit I'm confused about Dobes sometimes. I have met one or two Dobes that were wildly out of control and put the fear of god into me, but the rest have been quite sensitive and sensible dogs. My OH's brother rescued one at 2 years that I swear must have been mostly neglected and he is soooo sensitive. Someone merely has to say "Jaaaack" in a growly tone and he melts. He has barely had any training but acts like a well trained dog. He is active, but when he's at home he is quiet and easy to live with. I have met more dobes like that than like the "quick, get the dogs away from that dobe" kind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsrawesome Posted January 25, 2011 Author Share Posted January 25, 2011 corvus - I have never met a dob ive heard they can be great dogs. Im actually thinking about a Flat Coated Retriever or a Smooth Collie i have read about them both and i think i could handle one but opinions are still welcome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percyk Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 dogs are great and im a nut as far as they go but at 18 you are at a precarious stage of your life even i had to leave a dog behind with dad as i got a job in nt and couldnt take an old dog with me..no vet in town if you dont have continuing support then youre gonaa have trouble things can change suddenly...job study relationship change in accommmodation be careful dont do it unless parents can help out willingly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheridan Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 Try some of the online breed selectors. Not the ideal way to choose a breed but they will give you some ideas.http://www.selectsmart.com/dog/ I did this one and specifically said I wanted a long-haired coated dog with high grooming requirements and I got the xoloitzcuintli ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogbesotted Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 wouldnt consider an amstaff a beginners breed either. x 2 They are a lot of dog. x3..... big big dog in a medium sized package. H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissMaddy Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 I guess it really depends on exactly how much time and training you intend to put in, and to what level you intend to get to. An Aussie shepherd sounds like a good suggestion, as does a border collie, whoever suggested these. What about the longer coated gun dog breeds? I'm thinking more your setters or pointers, as they are a good size, look intimidating, but the ones I've met seem relatively laid back, happy go lucky and friendly. Personally, I had a GSD as my first dog at 12 I think I was, having never owned a dog. I was very comitted to this girl, and she was a well trained, very well socialised girl (although I forgot people socialising, and she went to boarding kennels where I have no idea what happened, but came back with slight fear agression that was very quickly fixed). I do, however, think I was a bit young, and my parents probably should have waited another couple of years to get me this girl. There are some GSDs that are suitable first dogs, and I have one here. He is Mr laid back (make that Mr Cuddly laid back!), and is just not fussed about other dogs, people, etc, nor is he particularly drivey. I don't actually know if he'd ever see the need to be protective, as he loves everyone, adults and children alike, and they are all meeted with a wiggly body wag. On the other hand, I have a bitch who would not at all be suitable for a first timer. She is higher drive, and just generally a lot more out there. I guess what I'm saying is, depending how much time you actually have to put into the dog (training especially, moreso than walking), and how much knowledge you have around you determines which breed might be right for you. You also need to consider the financial comittment, not just to feeding, but to the ongoing training. Just keep in mind any large breed won't be able to be walked for a solid hour until at least 12 months old though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsrawesome Posted January 27, 2011 Author Share Posted January 27, 2011 Just keep in mind any large breed won't be able to be walked for a solid hour until at least 12 months old though. Yeah i know every book says that haha up above i wrote flat coated retrievers i have read about them on dogzonline they seem like a good dog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danielle Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 First off I'd just like to say that you are a breath of fresh air dogperson! We hardly ever have young people like yourself come on here and ask for advice. You are on the right path to responsible dog ownership and are very mature. Good on you. Now for your first dog. So you want a bigger dog hey? Well first off I would warn you off the sighthound group. They are absolutely lovely dogs but not for a beginner. I agree with past posts in regard to amstaffs too, they are a whole lotta dog! I think a Labrador retriever or a golden retriever would suit you nicely. They are full of energy, very smart, and usually even tempered. Big enough that you probably won't get harassed by 'the wrong type' of person. They are great with kids which is something you have to consider. You are 18 and dogs can live quite a lot of years. No doubt children will be in your life within the next 10 yrs and so will this dog so you must consider something that will be appropriate for kids. Things change, ppl grow up and have families so pls consider this. Also consider how much time you will have to offer this pooch. I assume you will get a full time job and no doubt want a social life, take this into account when choosing a breed. Some dogs don't mind being left at home alone, some will stress out, so think about that too. For instance, toy poodles are not too pleased with being left alone for long periods of time, so go for a breed that won't be too upset if you have to go to work. Asides from that, think about training. A formally trained dog will be so much easier to live with. Consider further training, not just puppy preschool. There is so much to choose from with training, it's very fun. I can't think of anything else, but good luck and pls stick around on the forum, you will learn so much from the other members on here. There is a vast amount of information here on DOL and a wealth of knowledge. Best of luck and let us know what you choose! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Fox Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 Try some of the online breed selectors. Not the ideal way to choose a breed but they will give you some ideas.http://www.selectsmart.com/dog/ I did this one and specifically said I wanted a long-haired coated dog with high grooming requirements and I got the xoloitzcuintli ... Ah yes, the long haired Xolo... As I said, not the ideal way to pick your breed but the selectors do throw up a few questions, considerations and breeds that people may not have thought of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsrawesome Posted January 27, 2011 Author Share Posted January 27, 2011 www.######.com my 98% one was the Gordon Setter so i dno lol and i think the labrador was second i cannot remember the rest of them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RallyValley Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 www.######.com my 98% one was the Gordon Setter so i dno lol and i think the labrador was second i cannot remember the rest of them I would not pick a setter as a first choice if I was considering dog sports... A Flat Coated Retriever is a lovely, dual purpose breed that is suitable for a novice owner but also able to take you up to the highest levels of dog sport with the right dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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